DOCSLIB.ORG

Safety Inspection Checklist

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Safety Inspection Checklist Safety Inspection Checklist Building/Department(s): _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Date: ___________________________ Time: ____________ Start ____________ Finished _____________ Start _________ Finished Inspector(s): _____________________________________ Building Coordinator: ______________________________________________ Checklist Items Yes No NA Checklist Items Yes No NA A. General-All Areas G. Storage – Fire Protection 1. Are all ceiling tiles in place and in good condition? 1. is the storage of combustibles in the work area held to a 2. Is all furniture in good/stable condition and properly adjusted? minimum to avoid a fire hazard? 3. Are wall-mounted book cases free of excessive material on top and 2. Is clearance of at least 18 inches maintained around fire and not overloaded? (Chemicals & heavy items should not be stored sprinkler heads? above head height (6 feet)). 3. Are flammable/combustible liquids in excess of one day’s 4. Are all walking or working surfaces free of tipping/slipping hazards? operational supply kept in approved flammable materials 5. Are emergency phone numbers and procedures posted at or near storage (FMS) cabinets? telephones? 4. Are all FMS cabinets free of combustible materials (cardboard, 6. Are all fans equipped with a blade guard with openings no greater paper, plastic, etc.)? than ½ inch? 5. Are all flammable containers properly closed/covered to 7. Is consumption of food, beverage, etc., prohibited where required? control vapors? 6. Are all flammable/combustible containers properly labeled/ B. General – Shops identified? 1. Are machine and belt guards in place and in good condition? 7. Are all refrigerators used for storage of flammable/combustible 2. Is pedestal machinery securely anchored to the floor? liquids/materials approved and explosion proof? 3. Is equipment properly maintained and adjusted to prevent personal 8. Are flammable/combustible liquids returned to approved flamm- injury and equipment damage? able liquid storage cabinets at the end of the workday? 4. Are compressed air nozzles at the correct pressure of 30 psi or less? H. Storage – Compressed Glass Cylinders 1. Are all cylinders properly secured with straps or chains to 5. Is all piping appropriately identified as to contents/direction of flow? prevent tipping/falling? 6. Are hot pipes and surfaces guarded against contact and clearly 2. Are protective valve caps in place when cylinder is not in use? marked “HOT”? 3. Are empty and full cylinders stored separately? 7. Are areas requiring use of protective equipment (e.g., Eye Protection 4. Are only chemically compatible cylinders stored together? Required, etc.) adequately posted with warning signs and enforced? 5. Are cylinder contents adequately labeled and easily seen? 8. Is damaged/malfunctioning equipment tagged “OUT OF SERVICE”? 6. Is the correct regulator being used for the cylinder service? C. Exits/Corridors 7. Are highly toxic gases stored in vented gas cabinets? 1. Are all corridors unobstructed? I. Personal Protective Equipment 2. Are all exit doors unobstructed? 1. Is the requirement of use of protective equipment enforced? 3. Are exit signs posted and properly illuminated to clearly indicate 2. Is the required personal protective equipment worn? exits? 3. When not in use, is personal protective equipment properly 4. Are all exit doors able to be opened from the inside without special maintain/stored? knowledge/keys? 5. Are exit doors free of slide bolts or locks? 4. Is personal protective equipment readily available for all D. Electrical personnel including visitors to the area? 1. Is there at least three (3) feet clearance in front of electrical 5. Is all personal protective equipment free from damage and panels/breaker boxes? deterioration? 2. Are electric hand tools properly grounded/double insulated? 6. Are all employees using respiratory protection properly trained 3. Is the area free of extension cords? and authorized by EH&S? 4. Is all electrical equipment plugged directly into wall outlets? 7. Is self-contained breathing equipment properly maintained/ 5. Are all cords/plugs free from damage or deterioration? inspected? 6. Are switches and circuit breakers properly identified as to the J. Railing/Elevated Work Areas service they are in and to what they control? 1. Are drain openings/pits in the floor or walking surfaces guarded 7. Are circuit breaker panels free of combustible materials? to prevent tripping/slipping? 8. Are covers plates in place on junction boxes to eliminate exposed 2. Are toeboards in place on elevated platforms to prevent objects wiring? from falling off the platform? 9. Are “WARNING HIGH VOLTAGE” signs installed on high voltage 3. Are standard guardrails provided on elevated platforms? enclosures for systems rated 600V or over? 4. Are handrails provided and in good condition on stairways? 10. Is all electrical, including light fixtures, protected from physical 5. Are there provisions for safe access to elevated machinery/ damage by enclosure/guards? equipment? E. Emergency Equipment K. Ladders 1. Is emergency equipment (alarm pull boxes, eyewashes, showers, 1. Are portable ladders in good repair and safe to use? etc.) accessible and not blocked by equipment? 2. Are mobile ladder stands in good condition? 2. Are emergency eyewashes provided in the required chemical areas? 3. Are standard guardrails provided on elevated platforms? 3. Are emergency showers provided in the required chemical areas? 4. Are handrails provided and in good condition on stairways? 4. Is all emergency equipment in good condition? L. Forklifts 1. Are defective forklifts taken out of service and tagged “DO NOT 5. Are spill kits accessible and fully stocked per list? USE”? F. Storage – General 2. Are forklift inspection forms current and maintained in a file? 1. Is good housekeeping practiced in work area (Is it free of debris, 3. Are load limits clearly posted in the area? combustibles, obstructions? Are aisles maintained?)? 4. Are forklift operating rules clearly posted in the area? 2. Is storage adequately supported/stable to avoid tipping/falling? 5. Are all operators trained and authorized? 3. Is there at least two (2) feet clearance between stacked materials and ceiling light? Checklist Items Yes No NA Checklist Items Yes No NA M. Fire Protection O. Computer Rooms 1. Are there current welding permits displayed in welding area? 1. Are combustibles stored in approved, enclosed metal cabinets? 2. Is combustible waste, e.g., trash containers, cardboard boxes, 2. Are all self-closing doors operational? etc., removed from the room daily or more often as needed? 3. Are walls and floors free of holes/penetrations? 3. Is the computer room free of flammable/combustible liquids? 4. Are no smoking regulations clearly posted and being followed in 4. Are computer tapes stored in approved, enclosed metal “NO SMOKING” areas? cabinets? 5. Are fire extinguishers and signs clearly visible? 5. Is the raised floor free of unsealed cable holes? 6. Is the access to fire suppression and alarm systems 6. Is access to fire extinguishers clear and unobstructed? unobstructed? 7. Are all extinguishers in place and properly mounted? 7. Are floor tile pullers available and mounted? 8. Are all extinguishers properly inspected (monthly) and maintained 8. Are doors to the peripheral rooms closed? (annually)? N. Training 9. Is paper stored in computer room limited to a one day supply? 1. Have personnel been trained in the use of personal protective 10. Is the room free of repair shop operations? equipment? 2. Are all employees trained in hazardous substances safety? 11. Is the room free of soldering irons? 3. Have personnel working in high noise areas been trained in hearing 12. Is the room free of coffee makers, popcorn machines, electric conservation? floor/space heaters, etc.? 4. Have employees who use respirators been trained, fit tested, and 13. Are “NO SMOKING” signs posted and being enforced in received the required health monitoring examination? computer rooms? 5. Are employees who use self-contained breathing apparatus properly trained and authorized? P. Grounds 6. Evac Plans 1. 2. 3. 4. Explanation/Comments on all NO Answers Explanation/Comments on all NO Answers.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Tag out a Shipyard Hazard Prevention Course
    Workshop Objectives At the completion of this workshop it is expected that all trainees will pass a quiz, have the ability to identify energy hazards and follow both OSHA and NAVSEA safety procedures associated with: Electrical Hazards Non-Electrical Energy Hazards Lockout - Tag out 11 OSHA 1915.89 SUBPART F Control of Hazardous Energy -Lock-out/ Tags Plus This CFR allows specific exemptions for shipboard tag-outs when Navy Ship’s Force personnel serve as the lockout/tags-plus coordinator and maintain control of the machinery per the Navy’s Tag Out User Manual (TUM). Note to paragraph (c)(4) of this section: When the Navy ship's force maintains control of the machinery, equipment, or systems on a vessel and has implemented such additional measures it determines are necessary, the provisions of paragraph (c)(4)(ii) of this section shall not apply, provided that the employer complies with the verification procedures in paragraph (g) of this section. Note to paragraph (c)(7) of this section: When the Navy ship's force serves as the lockout/tags-plus coordinator and maintains control of the lockout/tags-plus log, the employer will be in compliance with the requirements in paragraph (c)(7) of this section when coordination between the ship's force and the employer occurs to ensure that applicable lockout/tags-plus procedures are followed and documented. 2 Note to paragraph (e) of this section: When the Navy ship's force shuts down any machinery, equipment, or system, and relieves, disconnects, restrains, or otherwise renders safe all potentially hazardous energy that is connected to the machinery, equipment, or system, the employer will be in compliance with the requirements in paragraph (e) of this section when the employer's authorized employee verifies that the machinery, equipment, or system being serviced has been properly shut down, isolated, and deenergized.
    [Show full text]
  • 1. Identification
    SAFETY DATA SHEET Issuing Date: 13-Aug-2020 Revision date 13-Aug-2020 Revision Number 1 1. IDENTIFICATION Product Name Tide PODS Spring Meadow Product Identifier 91943772_RET_NG Product Type: Finished Product - Retail Recommended use Detergent. Restrictions on use Use only as directed on label. Synonyms C-91943772-005 Details of the supplier of the safety PROCTER & GAMBLE - Fabric and Home Care Division data sheet Ivorydale Technical Centre 5289 Spring Grove Avenue Cincinnati, Ohio 45217-1087 USA Procter & Gamble Inc. P.O. Box 355, Station A Toronto, ON M5W 1C5 1-800-331-3774 E-mail Address [email protected] Emergency Telephone Transportation (24 HR) CHEMTREC - 1-800-424-9300 (U.S./ Canada) or 1-703-527-3887 Mexico toll free in country: 800-681-9531 2. HAZARD IDENTIFICATION "Consumer Products", as defined by the US Consumer Product Safety Act and which are used as intended (typical consumer duration and frequency), are exempt from the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200). This SDS is being provided as a courtesy to help assist in the safe handling and proper use of the product. This product is classified under 29CFR 1910.1200(d) and the Canadian Hazardous Products Regulation as follows:. Hazard Category Acute toxicity - Oral Category 4 Eye Damage / Irritation Category 2B Signal word Warning Hazard statements Harmful if swallowed Causes eye irritation Hazard pictograms 91943772_RET_NG - Tide PODS Spring Meadow Revision date 13-Aug-2020 Precautionary Statements Keep container tightly closed Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. — No smoking Wash hands thoroughly after handling Precautionary Statements - In case of fire: Use water, CO2, dry chemical, or foam for extinction Response IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
    [Show full text]
  • Acute Incidents During Anaesthesia a Small Percentage of Apparently Routine Anaesthetics Will End in an Anticipated Or Unforeseen Acute Incident
    Acute incidents during anaesthesia A small percentage of apparently routine anaesthetics will end in an anticipated or unforeseen acute incident. Edwin W Turton, MB ChB, Dip Pec (SA), DA (SA), MMed Anes, FCA (SA) Head of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesia, Bloemfontein Hospitals Complex, Department of Anaesthesiology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein Dr Edwin Turton worked as a clinical fellow in cardiac anaesthesia at Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, UK, in 2009. His current fields of interest are adult and paediatric cardiac anaesthesia and peri-operative echocardiography, and focussed assessment through echocardiography in emergency care. Correspondence to: E W Turton ([email protected]) Anaesthesia is uneventful in the majority Although anaesthesia is a very well- • Antibiotics (2.6%) of cases but in a small percentage of controlled and governed discipline, acute • Benzodiazepines (2%) routine and emergency cases there will incidents do occur. Incidents can occur • Opioids (1.7%) be an anticipated or an unforeseen acute during induction, maintenance and • Other agents (e.g. radio contrast media) incident. These incidents need immediate emergence from anaesthesia. (2.5%). theoretical knowledge and clinical skills to be managed effectively and to The following acute critical incidents are Treatment and management prevent further morbidity and mortality. discussed in this article: • Stop administration of all suspected Therefore all providers of anaesthesia, • Anaphylaxis agents. at different levels of experience, should • Aspiration • Call for help. be able to provide basic and advanced • Laryngospasm • Airway must be secured and 100% cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).1 • High or total (complete) spinal blocks in oxygen given, and ensure adequate obstetric anaesthesia. ventilation. The first death associated with an anaesthetic • Intravenous or intramuscular adrenaline was reported in 1848 in the USA.
    [Show full text]
  • Personal Protective Equipment Hazard Assessment
    WORKER HEALTH AND SAFETY Personal Protective Equipment Hazard Assessment Oregon OSHA Personal Protective Equipment Hazard Assessment About this guide “Personal Protective Equipment Hazard Assessment” is an Oregon OSHA Standards and Technical Resources Section publication. Piracy notice Reprinting, excerpting, or plagiarizing this publication is fine with us as long as it’s not for profit! Please inform Oregon OSHA of your intention as a courtesy. Table of contents What is a PPE hazard assessment ............................................... 2 Why should you do a PPE hazard assessment? .................................. 2 What are Oregon OSHA’s requirements for PPE hazard assessments? ........... 3 Oregon OSHA’s hazard assessment rules ....................................... 3 When is PPE necessary? ........................................................ 4 What types of PPE may be necessary? .......................................... 5 Table 1: Types of PPE ........................................................... 5 How to do a PPE hazard assessment ............................................ 8 Do a baseline survey to identify workplace hazards. 8 Evaluate your employees’ exposures to each hazard identified in the baseline survey ...............................................9 Document your hazard assessment ...................................................10 Do regular workplace inspections ....................................................11 What is a PPE hazard assessment A personal protective equipment (PPE) hazard assessment
    [Show full text]
  • Permits-To-Work in the Process Industries
    SYMPOSIUM SERIES NO. 151 # 2006 IChemE PERMITS-TO-WORK IN THE PROCESS INDUSTRIES John Gould Environmental Resources Management, Suite 8.01, 8 Exchange Quay, Manchester M5 3EJ; [email protected] The paper presents the collective results from a number of Safety Management System audits. The audit protocol is based on the Health and Safety Executive pub- lication ‘Successful health and safety management’ and takes into account formal (written) and informal procedures as well as their implementation. Focused on permit-to-work systems, these have shown a number of common failings. The most common failure in implementing a permit-to-work system is the issue of too many permits. However, the audit protocol considers the whole risk control system. The failure to ‘close’ the management loop with an effective regular review process is the largest obstacle to an effective permit system. INTRODUCTION ‘Permits save lives – give them proper attention’. This is a startling statement made by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in its free leaflet IND(G) 98 (Rev 3) PTW systems. The leaflet goes on to state that two thirds of all accidents in the chemical industry are main- tenance related, with the permit-to-work (PTW) failures being the largest single cause. Given these facts, it comes as no surprise that PTW systems are a key part in the provision of a safe working environment. Over the past four years Environmental Resources Management (ERM) has been auditing PTW systems as part of its key risk control systems audits. Numerous systems have been evaluated from a wide rage of industries, covering personal care products man- ufacturing to refinery operations.
    [Show full text]
  • (BSL-1) Inspection Checklist Agents
    PI: Lab Contact: Room(s): Inspected by: Research and Occupational Safety Date: Biological Safety Level 1 (BSL-1) Inspection Checklist Agents: References: CDC/NIH Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules UW Biosafety Manual Hazard Communication Notes Exposure Response Poster is in lab; lab staff is aware of proper procedures. yes no NA Facility Access to the lab is limited or restricted at the discretion of the PI when experiments are in progress. yes no NA The lab is designed so that it can be easily cleaned. Lab furniture is sturdy. Spaces between benches, cabinets, yes no NA and equipment are accessible for cleaning. Benchtops are impervious to water; chairs are covered with non-fabric material; no rugs or carpet are present. yes no NA Each lab contains a sink for hand washing. yes no NA Personnel wash their hands after handling biohazardous materials or animals and before exiting the yes no NA laboratory. Hand soap and paper towels are available at the sink. If the lab has windows that open, they are fitted with fly screens. yes no NA Exposure Control Smoking, chewing gum, handling contacts, applying cosmetics is not allowed in lab. No food or drinks yes no NA consumed or stored in the lab. Personnel wear clothing that covers the skin on legs (long pants or skirts) and closed-toe shoes. yes no NA Appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) is readily available. yes no NA Work surfaces are decontaminated once a day (following work) and after any spill of viable material.
    [Show full text]
  • Data and Information
    Exposure Data and Information NOAA Office for Coastal Management coast.noaa.gov/digitalcoast/tools/flood-exposure.html The following data were used in the Coastal Flood Exposure Mapper and in map services available for use in ArcGIS Online or other online mapping platforms. See ESRI’s ArcGIS Online Tutorial for instructions on using map services. Hazards Exposure Authoritative Name Description Map Service Significance Source Spatial extents of multiple flood hazard data sets combined. Flood hazard data sets include high tide flooding, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood Provides a quick data (V zones, A zones, and 500- Coastal Coastal Flood visual Coastal Flood year zones treated as individual Flood Hazard Exposure assessment of Hazard layers), storm surge inundation for Composite Mapper areas most Composite category 1, 2, and 3 hurricanes Map Service prone to flood (from FEMA Hurricane Evacuation hazard events. Studies), sea level rise scenarios for 1, 2, and 3 feet above mean higher high water (MHHW), and tsunami run-up zones where available. Page 1 of 7 Authoritative Name Description Map Service Significance Source Areas that flood when coastal flood warning thresholds are exceeded. Derived from the flood frequency layer within the Sea Level Rise and Coastal Flooding Impacts Viewer. High Tide Sea Level Rise Areas subject to High Tide Flooding Viewer high tide Flooding For islands in the Caribbean and Map Service flooding. Pacific, the high tide flooding zones were mapped based on statistical analysis of water level observations at tidal stations in those areas. Digital FEMA flood data. The data represent the digital riverine and coastal flood zones available as of FEMA Flood FEMA’s Map FEMA Flood Areas at risk October 2017 and are a Zones Map Service Center Zones from flooding.
    [Show full text]
  • Guide to Developing the Safety Risk Management Component of a Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan
    Guide to Developing the Safety Risk Management Component of a Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan Overview The Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP) regulation (49 C.F.R. Part 673) requires certain operators of public transportation systems that are recipients or subrecipients of FTA grant funds to develop Agency Safety Plans (ASP) including the processes and procedures necessary for implementing Safety Management Systems (SMS). Safety Risk Management (SRM) is one of the four SMS components. Each eligible transit operator must have an approved ASP meeting the regulation requirements by July 20, 2020. Safety Risk Management The SRM process requires understanding the differences between hazards, events, and potential consequences. SRM is an essential process within a transit The Sample SRM Definitions Checklist can support agencies agency’s SMS for identifying hazards and analyzing, as- with understanding and distinguishing between these sessing, and mitigating safety risk. Key terms, as de- terms when considering safety concerns and to help ad- fined in Part 673, include: dress Part 673 requirements while developing the SRM • Event–any accident, incident, or occurrence. section of their ASP. • Hazard–any real or potential condition that can cause injury, illness, or death; damage to or loss of the facilities, equipment, rolling stock, or infra- structure of a public transportation system; or damage to the environment. • Risk–composite of predicted severity and likeli- hood of the potential effect of a hazard. • Risk Mitigation–method(s) to eliminate or re- duce the effects of hazards. Sample SRM Definitions Checklist The following is not defined in Part 673. However, transit Part 673 requires transit agencies to develop and imple- agencies may choose to derive a definition from other text ment an SRM process for all elements of its public provided in Part 673, such as: transportation system.
    [Show full text]
  • UKRIO Code of Practice for Research
    UK Research Integrity Office Code of Practice For Research Promoting good practice and preventing misconduct Code of Practice for Research © 2009 and 2021 UK Research Integrity Office Recommended Checklist for Researchers The Checklist lists the key points of good practice for a research project and is applicable to all subject areas. More detailed guidance is available in Section 3. A PDF version is available from our website. Code of Practice for Research © 2009 and 2021 UK Research Integrity Office Contents RECOMMENDED CHECKLIST FOR RESEARCHERS .............................. inside front cover 1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................. 1 2. PRINCIPLES ....................................................................................................................... 4 3. STANDARDS FOR ORGANISATIONS AND RESEARCHERS ......................................... 6 3.1 General guidance on good practice in research ........................................................ 6 3.2 Leadership and supervision ........................................................................................ 7 3.3 Training and mentoring ................................................................................................ 7 3.4 Research design ........................................................................................................... 8 3.5 Collaborative working .................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • CONFINED SPACE ENTRY PERMIT Name(S) Or Person(S) Testing
    CONFINED SPACE ENTRY PERMIT Confined Space Location/Description/ID Number Date: ______________________________________________________________________________________ Purpose of Entry _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ Time In: ______________ Permit Canceled Time: _____________________________________ Time Out: ____________ Reason Permit Canceled: ___________________________________ Supervisor: ___________________________________________________________________________ Rescue and Emergency Services- Hazards of Confined Yes No Special Requirements Yes No Space Oxygen deficiency Hot Work Permit Required Combustible gas/vapor Lockout/Tagout Combustible dust Lines broken, capped, or blanked Carbon Monoxide Purge-flush and vent Hydrogen Sulfide Secure Area-Post and Flag Toxic gas/vapor Ventilation Toxic fumes Other- List: Skin- chemical hazards Special Equipment Electrical hazard Breathing apparatus- respirator Mechanical hazard Escape harness required Engulfment hazard Tripod emergency escape unit Entrapment hazard Lifelines Thermal hazard Lighting (explosive proof/low voltage) Slip or fall hazard PPE- goggles, gloves, clothing, etc. Fire Extinguisher Communication Procedures: DO NOT ENTER IF PERMISSABLE ENTRY Test Start and Stop Time: LEVELS ARE EXCEEDED Start Stop Permissable Entry Level % of Oxygen 19.5 % to 23.5 % % of LEL Less than 10% Carbon Monoxide 35 PPM (8 hr.) Hydrogen Sulfide 10 PPM (8 hr.)
    [Show full text]
  • EPA COVID-19 Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) Supplement, July 6, 2020, Final
    EPA COVID-19 Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) Supplement, July 6, 2020, Final Table of Contents 1. Introduction 2. OSHA Worker Exposure Risk to COVID-19, Summary 3. Pre-Travel Considerations 4. EPA COVID-19 Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) Supplement Instructions 5. EPA COVID-19 Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) Supplement Template 6. EPA COVID-19 OLEM Job Hazard Analysis Supplement Example 1. Introduction • The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency is very dynamic. Federal, state and local government guidance is updated frequently. There may be new CDC, OSHA or EPA guidance that will impact the current content of this JHA prior to the next update. As a result, it is important to review the government links in this JHA for new information. Additionally, due to possible differences in state or local health department requirements on COVID-19, the employee, supervisor and the SHEMP manager should review applicable state/local requirements before traveling and deployment to a site. These state/local requirements may be more flexible for essential workers that are traveling into the area, and EPA travel for field work may qualify as such essential travel. • Prior to travel, assess the prevalence for COVID-19 cases in the area(s) you are traveling to (and through) in addition to where you will be performing site work. This assessment should include evaluation of whether the area has demonstrated a downward trajectory of positive tests and documented cases within a 14-day period. Including this will help staff determine how to “assess the prevalence.”. • Specific COVID-19 information can be found on state/territorial/local government and health department websites.
    [Show full text]
  • TOXICOLOGY and EXPOSURE GUIDELINES ______(For Assistance, Please Contact EHS at (402) 472-4925, Or Visit Our Web Site At
    (Revised 1/03) TOXICOLOGY AND EXPOSURE GUIDELINES ______________________________________________________________________ (For assistance, please contact EHS at (402) 472-4925, or visit our web site at http://ehs.unl.edu/) "All substances are poisons; there is none which is not a poison. The right dose differentiates a poison and a remedy." This early observation concerning the toxicity of chemicals was made by Paracelsus (1493- 1541). The classic connotation of toxicology was "the science of poisons." Since that time, the science has expanded to encompass several disciplines. Toxicology is the study of the interaction between chemical agents and biological systems. While the subject of toxicology is quite complex, it is necessary to understand the basic concepts in order to make logical decisions concerning the protection of personnel from toxic injuries. Toxicity can be defined as the relative ability of a substance to cause adverse effects in living organisms. This "relative ability is dependent upon several conditions. As Paracelsus suggests, the quantity or the dose of the substance determines whether the effects of the chemical are toxic, nontoxic or beneficial. In addition to dose, other factors may also influence the toxicity of the compound such as the route of entry, duration and frequency of exposure, variations between different species (interspecies) and variations among members of the same species (intraspecies). To apply these principles to hazardous materials response, the routes by which chemicals enter the human body will be considered first. Knowledge of these routes will support the selection of personal protective equipment and the development of safety plans. The second section deals with dose-response relationships.
    [Show full text]